What are the four stages of cognitive development according to Jean Piaget?

The correct answer identifies the four stages of cognitive development as proposed by Jean Piaget: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete-Operational, and Formal Operations.

In the Sensorimotor stage, which occurs from birth to about 2 years old, children learn about the world through their senses and actions. They develop object permanence, understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot see them.

The Preoperational stage, spanning from ages 2 to 7, is characterized by the development of language and imagination, allowing children to engage in symbolic play. However, their thinking is still intuitive and egocentric, meaning they have difficulty seeing things from perspectives other than their own.

The Concrete Operational stage occurs from ages 7 to 11, where children begin to think logically about concrete events. They gain a better understanding of the concept of conservation—that quantity does not change even when its shape does—and can classify objects according to multiple attributes.

Finally, the Formal Operations stage, starting around age 12 and continuing into adulthood, enables individuals to think abstractly and logically. They can solve hypothetical problems and use deductive reasoning, approaching issues in a more systematic way.

This framework is essential for understanding how children's thinking evolves as they grow,